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In this Issue:

• Reminder: Friday, October 9, is a Non-Student Day.
• Explore Our Schools: Open Enrollment and Campus Tours!
• Podcast Spotlight: Navigating the Jump to Middle School
• Unidos Middle School Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month!
• Empowering Student Leaders: Highlights from the Stanford Challenge Success Conference
• Celebrating Our NVUSD Board of Education Students of the Month
• Family Engagement Series: Workshop #3 Children and Cell Phones–Toward a Healthy Balance!
• New Reclassification Rules for Multilingual Learners
• Celebrating 50 Years of Napa Valley Adult Education!
• Last Chance to Help Us Choose Our Next School Calendars!
• Invest in Your Future: October Scholarship Opportunities
• Join Us for the Next Coffee with the Superintendent
• Nominations are OPEN for NVUSD Employees of the Year!

District staff across Napa Valley Unified will gather for one of our two dedicated district-wide professional learning days this school year. Our teachers, administrators, and support staff will spend the day collaborating and engaging in deep learning aligned with our Strategic Plan.

This year, our team is focused on advancing student achievement through:

• Academic Excellence: High-impact teaching strategies, literacy, real-world learning, and college and career readiness.
• Student Well-Being: Positive behavior support, inclusion, belonging, and overall health and wellness.

Open Enrollment for the upcoming school year begins October 15! Join our live online webinars on October 19 and October 21 at 5:30 PM to explore our elementary and secondary programs. Live interpretation will be available.

Families can also access recorded enrollment sessions, in-person campus tours, and transition resources—including a high school readiness webinar and a middle school transition podcast. These tools align with our Strategic Plan commitment to cultivate a culture of welcome, belonging, and smooth transitions for all students.

In-person school tours are also available across our campuses. Learn more, register for a tour, RSVP for a webinar, or watch past webinars on the NVUSD Enrollment webpage.

Moving from 5th to 6th grade is a big milestone for students and families alike. In the latest episode of the NVUSD Future in Focus Podcast, host Marcus Veal sits down with Napa Junction 5th-grade teacher Heather Feinberg, Silverado Middle School counselor Caitlin Garcia and SMS athletic director James Waechtler.

Together, they share practical advice on staying organized, building independence, making new friends, and managing schoolwork. They also discuss getting involved in campus life, asking for help, and building the confidence to overcome challenges.

Listen to the full episode here [https://youtu.be/7j3k3_tpXNc] to help your student thrive during this exciting transition!

Unidos Middle School: Language and Arts Integration Academy honored Hispanic Heritage Month with a spirited celebration! During flex period, students watched student-created videos showcasing rich Hispanic and Latino cultures—from traditional music, instruments, and dances to famous artists, delicious cuisine, and inspirational figures. Students also participated in fun dress-up days, like "Tía and Tío" day, building a vibrant culture of belonging across the campus.

This is just one example of the many ways NVUSD schools are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and bringing our Graduate Portrait to life by developing Equity-Centered, Local and Global Ambassadors.

Experience the celebration firsthand by watching their student-produced videos!

Student leaders from American Canyon, Silverado, and Unidos Middle Schools recently represented NVUSD at the Stanford Challenge Success Conference! Together with educators, counselors, and families, scholars explored how to redefine academic rigor, nurture well-being, and deepen their sense of belonging on campus.

Middle school principals highlighted how stepping onto a college campus broadened students' perspectives, inspired self-care habits, and gave them opportunities to voice feedback that drives real campus change. Returning as WEB and AVID leaders, these scholars are ready to shape a culture where every student sees themselves as a leader.

Read the full story in the NVUSD News!